Travel Startups and Innovation News

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the startups in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more.

Startups are a powerful force driving innovation across the travel industry—from AI-driven personalization and fintech solutions to next-gen mobility and booking platforms. PhocusWire delivers the most relevant travel startups and innovation news, spotlighting emerging companies that are rethinking the way people search, book, and experience travel.

Emerging travel startups and innovations driving the industry forward

Our coverage highlights breakthrough ideas, early-stage funding rounds, and strategic partnerships that bring fresh energy to the travel ecosystem. Whether it's reshaping trip planning, optimizing operations, or solving pain points across the journey, travel startups are challenging incumbents and building the future of travel with agility and purpose.

Startup Stage: Safari Circle takes a matchmaking approach to safari planning
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Safari Circle takes a matchmaking approach to safari planning
By Abby Crotty & Cathy Walsh | October 5, 2026
The company’s Safari DNA system matches travelers with destinations, parks and lodges based on their... Read More
Where are they now? Checking in with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2022
News / Startups
Where are they now? Checking in with the Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2022
By PhocusWire | October 5, 2026
Find out what PhocusWire's Hot 25 Startups for 2022 have been up to, including who raised, who sold... Read More
Lobby, Crewfare win People's Choice Awards at the 2026 Global Startup Pitch
News / Startups
Lobby, Crewfare win People's Choice Awards at the 2026 Global Startup Pitch
By WiT | October 2, 2026
Lobby and Crewfare will showcase their innovations at The Phocuswright Conference 2026 in Fort... Read More
Startup Stage: FigFinder AI wants to simplify trip planning for travelers and agents
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: FigFinder AI wants to simplify trip planning for travelers and agents
By Abby Crotty | September 28, 2026
FigFinder AI creates personalized trip guides for travelers, while FigFinder Pro helps travel agents... Read More
Tours and activities pricing startup Aloja raises $1.4M
News / Startups
Tours and activities pricing startup Aloja raises $1.4M
By Abby Crotty | September 24, 2026
The funding will be used for product development, international expansion and to strengthen... Read More
Startup Stage: OutReserve wants to make outdoor travel easier to navigate
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: OutReserve wants to make outdoor travel easier to navigate
By Abby Crotty | September 21, 2026
Founded this year, OutReserve is focused on addressing fragmentation in the outdoor travel space.... Read More
Startup Stage: Passtination wants to help airlines extend loyalty programs
Interview / Startups
Startup Stage: Passtination wants to help airlines extend loyalty programs
By Abby Crotty | September 14, 2026
The white-label, in-destination loyalty solution is licensed to airlines on an annual basis.... Read More
Payments-first OTA Laters.com raises $1.5M in seed funding
News / Startups
Payments-first OTA Laters.com raises $1.5M in seed funding
By Abby Crotty | September 3, 2026
The fresh capital will help the startup grow, expand its core business and add new products and... Read More
STR cleaning and operations provider Piney raises €1.6M to develop AI capabilities
News / Startups
STR cleaning and operations provider Piney raises €1.6M to develop AI capabilities
By Abby Crotty | September 3, 2026
The startup uses AI to facilitate real-time cleaning checks, flagging issues before cleaners leave a... Read More
Brazil-based B2B distribution platform for travel agencies raises $1.5M
News / Startups
Brazil-based B2B distribution platform for travel agencies raises $1.5M
By Abby Crotty | September 1, 2026
Lead investor Parceiro Ventures said the startup addresses a real problem by centralizing travel... Read More
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Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
September 9, 2025
Precision and predictability for travel marketing: Essential visitor intelligence to drive growth
 In partnership with Zartico, this video series explores the latest trends and delivers practical... Read More
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
August 19, 2025
Get real: The power of combining AI with authentic intelligence
Chris Hemmeter from Thayer Investment Partners outlines his thoughts on the importance of balancing AI... Read More
Changing traveler patterns, evolving customer needs drive demand for travel insurance
May 6, 2025
Changing traveler patterns, evolving customer needs drive demand for travel insurance
Travel protection is bringing peace of mind for travelers and positive rewards for suppliers.... Read More